When I think of my experience of learning French at school, I have particular memories and a general feeling of negativity. I remember one French teacher more than others: her high pitched voice, her tendency to become irritated easily, her inability to look you in the eye. She was one of those people who closes … Continue reading Making a good impression
Category: School life
Am I an Enemy of Promise?
After 24 years of watching other people's children pick up their GCSE results, it is my turn to be the anxious parent. I will go into work today to see how the students at my school have done, then I will go with my daughter tomorrow to see how that unfolds. Double whammy. It is … Continue reading Am I an Enemy of Promise?
Winterland
As I write, I am on my way back from the Lake District with a group of colleagues from my school. We spent our weekend walking in the mountains. It was cold, boggy, very windy and altogether wonderful. I find human company taxing at times. I am not prone to make friends at work (or … Continue reading Winterland
The Peaks
We set out on day three, full of expectation. The peaks and valleys ahead were laid out on the map, but the metaphorical ones were to be discovered as we walked. Our group, four adults and nine soon to be, stretched out on the rocky path. The early morning sun lifted our spirits and helped … Continue reading The Peaks
Potential
Many moons ago my Dad bumped in to my old headteacher. He asked after my brother (a ‘good’ student). My Dad told him how he was getting on, then mentioned that his other son (me) was starting his teacher training. The head of my former school laughed. “He’ll never be a teacher”, he guffawed. He … Continue reading Potential